RacquetBros, it is the blade 98 demo from a legit tennis store. Just snapped pics for you.

Click to expand...

I had the same issue with a BLX Blade 98 I bought from TW used. It stated 53-63 tension range. Racquet tension on the website list 50-60 and when I called TW, they said to call Wilson. The Wilson guy seemed annoyed, but stated that the tension to be 50-60. Called TW back and, after a hold, stated they have been receiving calls about this but to call Wilson back. I got frustrated and started looking at several other Wilson delears. It's about 50-50 for those who list it as 50-60 and those who list it as 53-63. I had 4 total at the time and the others were all 50-60 and I honestly couldn't tell the difference, but I did end up sending it back to TW. Obviously, Wilson has made some with that racquet tension range, but I understand why it's so frustrating not getting a straight answer. Your racquet is legit.

I think the earlier releases may have been a higher tension range. I have 2 straight from a tennis shop, and they were the early demo releases just like the ones that will come out next month with the new pj. Both say 53-63. Its an interesting little quirk.

I think the earlier releases may have been a higher tension range. I have 2 straight from a tennis shop, and they were the early demo releases just like the ones that will come out next month with the new pj. Both say 53-63. Its an interesting little quirk.

Click to expand...

So the demo's are gong to be released next month? Is this speculation or confirmed by your local shop? Really want to get my hands on the 16x19 version to see how it stacks up against my prestige.

Its speculation. Could be january. My shop gets wlsons pretty early though so i will be all over the steam and new blade demos as soon as i can.

Honestly with all the steam hype, i think the future is blading for many people here. It is the best light players stick with control and power that i have used. I guess it just matters what you like, but i like laser control and precision.

Its speculation. Could be january. My shop gets wlsons pretty early though so i will be all over the steam and new blade demos as soon as i can.

Honestly with all the steam hype, i think the future is blading for many people here. It is the best light players stick with control and power that i have used. I guess it just matters what you like, but i like laser control and precision.

Click to expand...

Drak mentioned in another thread that he has heard Dec 2012 for the Blade line and Jan 2013 for the new Steam. So it makes sense the demo's might come a little earlier.

I wish. I don't think we know the flex and SW yet either. Really hoping nothing changes besides the PJ, because the BLX Blade plays perfect in stock form.

Click to expand...

What's your take on the current BLX Blade 98 vs the Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT? I had the old Wilson Pro Tour 93 with a 16x19 string pattern and thought it was pretty good but ended up switching to the Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT as it was more plush and still maintained the power.

What's your take on the current BLX Blade 98 vs the Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT? I had the old Wilson Pro Tour 93 with a 16x19 string pattern and thought it was pretty good but ended up switching to the Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT as it was more plush and still maintained the power.

What's your take on the current BLX Blade 98 vs the Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT? I had the old Wilson Pro Tour 93 with a 16x19 string pattern and thought it was pretty good but ended up switching to the Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT as it was more plush and still maintained the power.

Click to expand...

Blade is a lot easier to use and is far better on serve for me. I also like the feel more as well. I have trouble finding weakness with this raquet, but i would say if you like to volley most of the time there are better options.

Why is it that it's always the Blade that gets the best paintjob?! WHY OH WHY OH WHY?! Why not the 6.1 series?! Sigh... Guess I'll settle with the fact that the ProStaff 90 dominated the BLX paintjob and edges out the [K]Factor by a hair.

Nice looking sticks, but other than the option of 16x19 are they really any different to the previous model? Also, isn't anyone else spooked by the light weight? Personally, I'd like to see a heavier version.

Nice looking sticks, but other than the option of 16x19 are they really any different to the previous model? Also, isn't anyone else spooked by the light weight? Personally, I'd like to see a heavier version.

Click to expand...

Hopefully not any different since the 98 specs are perfect.

As for light weight, that is the best part of the racquet. It has a SW in the 330s and a low static weight, so I actually hit harder than I did with my prior sticks which were 345 grams.